What are Sustainable Aviation Fuels?
It might sound like something out of the Jetson’s, but sustainable aviation fuel does exist! In this article we will take a look at what it is, the benefits, and the challenges to broad adoption for this fuel source.
What is it?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or SAF, is produced with resources like waste oils, agricultural residues, and non-fossil CO2. While conventional jet fuel is derived from petroleum, SAF can be made through various processes and different types of feedstock.
For example, fats, oils, and greases can be used to create jet fuel. Neste is one of the leading providers of this type of fuel, and utilizes a variety of waste and raw materials in the process. While it does not entirely stop emissions, it does reduce green house gases up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
Biomass is a key source of sustainable aviation fuels. Companies like Neste can take the alcohols in biomas, like ehtanol or butanol, and turn it into jet fuel. Biomass is also a source of gas that can be converted into liquid fuels. Biomass is a renewable organic material that comes from plants and animals, and does not require drilling.
Benefits to SAF
We’re all searching for solutions to lower carbon in the atmosphere. SAF can reduce carbon emissions, depending on the source of the feedstock and methods of production.
SAF is often compatible with existing aircraft engines and does not require modification, which lowers costs to transition for airlines and consumers. SAF is often blended with conventional jet fuel to meet aviation fuel standards.
Another benefit to SAF is that there are many ways to source it. With a variety of feedstock options, it it reduces dependence on any single source. It also promotes waste utilization, because biomass can be repurposed for fuel instead of sittig in a landfill.
What’s the Hold Up?
High costs, due to feedstock and processing, is currently a barrier to widespread adoption of SAF. Companies often focus on short term profits to meet shareholder expectations, which pushes this transition further down the priority list.
Scalability is also a challenge for SAF. In order to meet global aviation demands, it would require significant investment in new technologies, infrastructure, and supply chains.
As with many wicked problems of sustainability, the increased use of SAF could lead to other probleems. Land use changes, biodiversity, and competition with food production when certain feedstocks are heavily used are all consequences that must be evaluated with this fuel source.
Looking Ahead
Most of us would like to live in a world where we can travel on airplanes and not damage the environment. Travel offers cross cultural experiences, is essential to business, and creates lasting memories. However, the way that we travel is piling CO2 into the environment, and we need to find a better way to get around.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) offer a path to sustainable travel. By imagining a future with sustainable travel and working across companies, governments, and nonprofits to implement SAF, we can correct our trajectory and reach a more favorable future destination.
